KR20090111334A - Irrigation system with a pump - Google Patents

Abstract

An irrigation system (100) comprising: a reservoir (102) with an inlet (110) for pouring liquid into the reservoir, the inlet defining a closing means for closing the inlet; an insertion member defining an insertion end (138) for insertion into a body cavity a human being, the insertion member defining at least one opening (122); and a liquid tube (106) fluidly connecting the reservoir and having with the insertion member; wherein at least one of reservoir and the insertion member is permanently fastened to the liquid tube. A method of manufacturing the intestinal irrigation system.

Description

Cleaning system with pump {IRRIGATION SYSTEM WITH A PUMP}

The present invention relates to a cleaning system having a reservoir fluidly connected to an insertion member for insertion into a human body cavity and a pump for pumping liquid contained in the reservoir through the outlet of the insertion member into the body cavity. The present invention also relates to a method of performing a wash on a human body using a washing system and a method of manufacturing the washing system.

Some users use the cleaning system every day according to their needs. For example, some people suffer from spinal cord injuries, spinal ruptures or multiple sclerosis. The system is used to prevent constipation, improve the quality of life by reducing the time spent emptying feces and improving independence.

Various systems are well known in the art.

For example, a simple system that is widely used in hospitals consists of a bag that is placed on a person who performs anal enema cleaning. The bag is connected through a tube to a catheter that is inserted into the rectum through the anus. The liquid in the bag is inserted into the person due to the height difference between the person and the bag causing a difference in pressure. The disadvantage of this very simple system is that in order to operate the system, the bag must be raised to a position above the person to achieve the desired pressure differential.

A system that overcomes this problem is disclosed in US Patent Publication No. US 2005/0148954 A1. The device disclosed in publication number US 2005/0148954 A1 is configured to provide intestinal cleansing with the ability to supply wash liquor or medicine with a manually controlled pulsation using a hand pump. The device includes a specculum configured and sized to be inserted into the rectum of the patient. The conveying line is fixed at the specular inlet. The conveying line is fixed at the inlet of the speculum. The hand pump is arranged in series in the conveying line and connected to the second zone. The male connector and the female connector connect each other to a conveying line with a wash liquid reservoir. The first valve is connected to operate the delivery line and allows liquid to flow from the wash liquid reservoir to the speculum. An alternative valve structure is also disclosed, in which the manual pump opens and closes by actuating a valve in series with the delivery line, thus pulsating the wash liquid into the intestine of the patient. The apparatus further comprises an outlet line connected to the speculum at the outlet. The discharge line is fluidly connected to the speculum inlet such that liquids and washed substances pass through the speculum from the intestine.

Although the present invention overcomes the need to place the bag in a high position, it is a rather complex system that is used both for inserting the wash liquid into the body as well as for discharging it and requires many actions to implement.

Other systems are disclosed in US Publication No. US 2006/0009732. One of the systems provides an intestinal washing machine with the ability to supply manual controlled pulsation to the cleaning liquid via a manual pump. The manual pump may be a conventional tandem compression valve. In an embodiment, a check valve may be arranged in series in the supply conduit or a manual pump.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple system that is easy to use. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a system which prevents the elements of the system from breaking suddenly during use.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a system that can be used immediately by a patient by reducing the time spent in long cleaning, such as assembling parts by a user. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a long cleaning system provided in a concise structure for the user to carry.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system that a user can discard after long cleaning without having to clean the system once used. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a separate system as compared to known systems.

In a first embodiment, the present invention relates to an intestinal cleansing system for cleaning body cavity, the system comprising

A reservoir with an inlet defined by a closure means for sealing the inlet to pour liquid into the reservoir;

An insertion member defining an insertion end for insertion into the body cavity through a human human cavity and defining at least one opening;

The reservoir with the insertion member comprises a fluidly connected liquid tube (ie a tube for holding and / or treating liquid).

At least one reservoir and insert member are permanently secured to the liquid tube.

In the context of the present invention, the term "permanently fixed" means, for example, fluid-tight seams or seals between two members, such as welded seams, bonded seams or sealing gaskets. It is to be understood that the two members are fixed to each other by definition. If the two members are removed from each other, the system is opened unattachable and the two members cannot be reattached to each other by hand without the use of a tool. In some embodiments, the seam between the two members is sufficiently strong that the seam is likely to break when each of the two members is pulled from each other, less than or equal to the likelihood of one of the pieces breaking.

The system can be used to perform washing in any body cavity, such as the uterus, intestine (whole intestine system) and bladder.

In the context of the present invention, the word “intestinal cleansing” can be understood as the washing / cleaning of any part of the digestive / intestinal system between the stomach and the anus using liquid. Thus, whole bowel lavage includes washing the rectum, appendix, colon and small intestine, ie ileum, jejunum and duodenum. In most embodiments, the system is inserted by the user through the outlet of the system throughout the intestine, such as a natural or colostomy. In most embodiments, the system is inserted through the outlet of the user's intestinal system, such as a natural or colostomy. When inserted through the outlet, the insertion member is used to discharge the wash liquid upstream of the bowel system with respect to the outlet.

Since the user of the present invention does not need to assemble the elements of the long cleaning system, the risk of misassembling the system is eliminated. Since most users only have a limited number of devices and usually have a single device, misassembly can cause damage to the system and the user can be left without any means of excretion discharging devices. To make a mistake is very undesirable. Improper assembly can also cause fecal spills on the floor of the bathroom. In addition, the pre-assembled system is easier and faster for the user to use than the conventional system. Furthermore, the user will not understand the system poorly or immaturely. Simple systems / processes can increase user independence even further by reducing or eliminating the need for help from others during the cleaning process.

The reservoir may be made singly or by joining together one or more parts, such as plastic foil / film, for example by gluing or welding. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the reservoir is transparent such that a user can visually verify that the liquid is in the reservoir. In yet another embodiment, the entire reservoir is transparent. The reservoir may comprise means, for example an indicator, for indicating the volume of liquid contained in the reservoir, on the sidewall of the reservoir.

The inlet can be configured such that at least a portion of the liquid tab is inserted into the inlet so that liquid flowing from the liquid tab can flow into the reservoir without leaking. The inlet may comprise means for temporarily securing the inlet / reservoir to the liquid tab where the reservoir is filled with running water from the tab. This allows the user to fill the reservoir using one hand, ie by using one hand to attach the reservoir to the liquid tab and then opening the valve of the tab using the same one hand so that the liquid flows into the reservoir. Will be.

The closure means may be a non-return valve that prevents liquid from exiting the reservoir through the inlet as liquid enters the reservoir through the inlet. Alternatively, or as a replenishment, the closure means may comprise a clamp or screw cap that prevents liquid from flowing into and out of the reservoir through the inlet when secured to the inlet.

The proximal insertion end of the insertion member may define a smooth surface for inserting the insertion member into the human body cavity, for example through the human anus.

The insertion member defines at least one opening of about two, three, four or five. The at least one opening is disposed relative to the proximal end of the insertion member such that when the insertion member is at least partially inserted (eg through an artificial / natural anal), the opening (s) are located in the body cavity, so that the at least one The liquid discharged through the opening in is received in the body cavity.

The reservoir and the insertion member are fluidly connected by a liquid tube which can be transparent. The tube may consist of a thermoplastic resin such as PVC / PP / PE or a thermoplastic elastomer such as a styrol block copolymer such as PUR or SEBS compound or a cross-linked elastomer such as silicone or latex. In one embodiment, the liquid tube takes the form of a foil tube. The side walls of the foil tubes can be moved toward and contact each other so as to be flat and compact to carry. This is desirable when the user cleans up the system before and after use. In the context of the present invention, the term “tube” is understood as a conduit defined by an elongated cavity object (eg cylindrical) used to hold and transport liquids or gases.

In addition, one or more reservoirs and inserts are permanently secured to the liquid tube. In one embodiment, the reservoir is permanently secured to the liquid tube. In another embodiment, the insertion member is permanently fixed to the liquid tube and in the third embodiment both the reservoir and the insertion member are permanently fixed to the liquid tube.

The reservoir, liquid tube and / or insertion member may include a non-return valve that prevents liquid from flowing upwards towards and from the reservoir. This prevents the system from being contaminated during use, for example, by feces or blood present in the body cavity.

In one embodiment, when the non-return valve is disposed at the end of the liquid tube, the non-return valve may also be additionally or alternatively biased such that a certain amount of pressure is established in the liquid tube before the wash liquid flows out. This prevents the cleaning liquid from accidentally flowing out of the liquid tube.

In one embodiment, the system includes a pump for pumping liquid contained in the reservoir through the liquid tube and out through at least one opening of the insertion member. In one embodiment, the pump comprises a manual pump configured to be operable by hand or foot or by arm or mouth. The manual pump may take the form of a foil pump of elastic element. Once the elastic element is compressed, fluid such as liquid or gas contained in the pump is discharged from the pump, and once the force used to compress the elastic element is removed, the elastic element can return to its unbiased state. The elastic member may be a shape memory material such as a spring or an open celled foam. The elastic member may be received in a foil, such as a plastic foil / film. These pumps are lighter in weight than conventional rubber pumps, making it easier for users to transport the system with the use of foil pumps. The pump may also be provided in a compressed state to the user to increase the overall simplicity of the system while carrying.

In another embodiment, an electric pump, such as an electric gas / gas pump, is included. The use of an electric pump is desirable for patients without dexterity. The electric pump can be configured to be separated from the system so that it can be used again and the user can discard the reservoir, the liquid tube and the insert.

In one embodiment, the electric pump includes a control unit for controlling liquid / gas flow in the system. The electric pump may comprise a rechargeable battery, which may be configured to be recharged by connecting to a power supply, for example by using a crank, or by using a power generator or by using an outlet. By rotating the crank, the user can recharge the battery. The generator may include means for temporarily securing the generator to a third member, such as a chair, so that a person who cannot use one of the hands / arms properly operates the hand, so that the user can use the hand sufficiently. Only the arm can rotate the crank enough. By providing a rechargeable battery, the user is not dependent on the power supply. Since most public toilets do not use a power supply, the above configuration increases user freedom and independence. Thus, the user can charge the battery at a different place from the cleaning site, for example via a generator, so that the actual cleaning process is faster, more separate and less complicated.

In one embodiment, the manual or electrically operated pump is a peristaltic pump and can insert a liquid tube into the peristaltic pump such that the pump pumps liquid through the tube without contacting the liquid. This prevents the liquid from being contaminated by the pump and, conversely, the pump from being contaminated by the liquid. In addition, the peristaltic pump allows the user to place the pump at any desired location along the liquid tube, thus increasing the freedom of use.

In one embodiment, the pump is a liquid pump (ie pump for pumping liquid) having a pump inlet and a pump outlet so that the liquid contained in the reservoir flows through the at least one opening of the insertion member by the operation of the pump. The inlet and pump outlet are permanently fixed to the tube. The liquid pump may comprise a non-return valve arranged to prevent liquid from flowing upstream from the pump towards the reservoir.

In one embodiment, the pump is an electric liquid pump that includes a control unit for controlling the flow of liquid in the system. As an example the control unit can be configured to change the flow rate of the liquid in the liquid tube in a predetermined procedure. The control unit may, for example, operate the process once or repeatedly, for a predetermined number of times. In one embodiment, to activate the washing process, the flow rate may be changed over a predetermined process.

In one embodiment, the pump is a gas pump (ie a pump for gas pumping) disposed relative to the reservoir so that the gas pressure in the reservoir increases once the pump is operated, so that the liquid stored in the reservoir enters into the liquid tube and through one or more openings. It moves out (flows). In order to achieve this effect, the gas tube should be arranged such that at most liquid levels with respect to the reservoir the liquid covers the outlet of the reservoir and / or the inlet of the liquid tube. In many embodiments, the outlet / inlet is disposed at the bottom portion of the reservoir. In addition, to inflate the reservoir and to push the liquid into the liquid tube, the inlet used to fill the liquid into the reservoir must be able to be sealed so that the reservoir can expand without the air leaking through the inlet.

The gas pump can be formed as an integral part with the reservoir, for example by providing a reservoir in the form of a two part foil sealed together and by integrating one of the aforementioned foil pumps into the reservoir. The method of integrating one of the foil pumps into the reservoir is easy to manufacture, easy to use and concise for the user to carry. Alternatively, the system may include a gas tube fluidly connecting the gas pump and the reservoir. The gas tube may be a foil tube that may be permanently secured to the gas pump and / or reservoir.

In order to prevent the insert from slipping out of the body cavity during washing, the insert may comprise retaining means for retaining the insert in the body cavity when the insert is inserted through the body opening. The retaining means can be switched between two forms, a non-holding form in which the insertion member is inserted into the body opening and contracted at the body opening and a retaining form in which the holding means prevents the insertion member from contracting when inserted into the body cavity through the body opening.

In order to provide retaining means configured to define two positions, the retaining means comprises a balloon fluidly connected to the balloon pump, in which the balloon is inflated by the operation of the balloon pump. The balloon may be a gas balloon or a liquid balloon. The gas / liquid pump may be a foil pump as described in the foregoing. The retaining means can be defined on the outer surface of the insertion end.

To reduce the number of pumps in the cleaning system, the system may include a switched pump defined by both a balloon pump and a gas pump. The switchable pump defines a first position fluidly connecting the switched pump and the gas balloon and a second position fluidly connecting the switchable pump and the reservoir so that the user can switch between the expansion of the balloon and the expansion of the reservoir. It includes a switch. Thus, during use, the user can position the switch in the first position for the balloon to inflate, and then in the second position to inflate the reservoir to transfer the liquid contained in the reservoir into the liquid tube and further into the body cavity. The switch can be placed.

In one embodiment, the reservoir is divided into two chambers, a liquid chamber and a gas chamber. This can be divided using a coating that can move at least a portion between the first position and the second position, and the volume of the gas chamber is smaller when the membrane is in the first position than when the membrane is in the second position. When the gas chamber is pressurized, the chamber expands to move the coating towards the second position, thereby reducing the volume of the liquid chamber and transferring all the fluid contained in the chamber into the liquid tube. The advantage of the two chamber system is that the gas that carries the liquid from the reservoir into the liquid tube prevents the creation of an air pocket in the liquid tube.

In one embodiment, the gas pump comprises an over-pressure valve fluidly connected to the balloon and configured to direct liquid into the reservoir when the pressure of the balloon reaches a predetermined pressure level, wherein the reservoir expands. The liquid contained in the reservoir then moves into the liquid tube. An advantage of this embodiment is that only one pump is provided and no switch is required to switch between the balloon tube and the gas tube.

In one embodiment, an insertion member is provided with a hydrophilic surface to swell the coating to create a surface that slides well (prior to insertion). In a further embodiment, at least a portion of the insertion member (about the entirety of the insertion member) may be disposed in the reservoir during transportation. Thus, when the user fills the reservoir with water, the swelling process begins by placing the water on the hydrophilic coating. In this embodiment, the reservoir can be subdivided into several fluidly connected chambers, one of which is arranged to place the liquid on a hydrophilic coating in water of almost any height.

The reservoir may also be configured to remove the insert member from the reservoir without creating an outlet path of the reservoir. Thus, in one embodiment the reservoir comprises a swelling compartment configured to hold the swelling medium (liquid) on the outer surface of the insertion member and a compression section configured to compress the liquid contained in the compartment to facilitate movement into the liquid tube. In another embodiment, the swelling compartment and the compression compartment are the same. In the previous embodiment, removal of the insertion end can close the path between the two compartments so that the compression of the compression compartment allows the liquid contained in the compartment to be transferred to the liquid tube rather than the swelling compartment. However, if the swelling compartment is provided with an insertion end, the two compartments can be fluidly connected through the path so that the liquid filled in the compression compartment can flow into the swelling compartment. If the compression section and the swelling section are the same, the above-mentioned path is not limited.

Thus, during use, the user can fill the reservoir with water to fill the swelling and compression sections with water. When the liquid (swelling medium) is applied to the insertion end for about 30 seconds, it is sufficiently ensured that the hydrophilic coating is swollen and the insertion end is removed from the swelling compartment. Once removed, the paths of the swelling compartment and the compression compartment are automatically closed and the user can compress the compression compartment to transfer the liquid to the liquid tube. In some embodiments, the path may be configured to be manually closed by the user before or after removing the insertion end from the swelling compartment.

In a further embodiment, the inlet of the reservoir defines a first path connected to the swelling compartment and a second path connected to the compression compartment. If water is filled into the inlet, water will flow into the two compartments through the first and second paths. In addition, when the inlet is closed, the reservoir can be confined so that the swelling compartment and the compression compartment are not in fluid connection such that the compression of the compression compartment prevents water from moving into the swelling compartment, even if the insertion end is not removed from the swelling compartment. Even if the water is not transferred.

In one embodiment, the reservoir is limited to only one compartment which is used both as a compression compartment and a swelling compartment. In this embodiment, the insertion member can be inserted through the inlet of the reservoir, so that the insertion member can be swelled on the swelling medium (the liquid) with the liquid filled in the reservoir.

In one embodiment, the at least one pump may define one or more means capable of temporarily securing the user's finger to the outer surface of the pump. Thus, when the finger is temporarily fixed to the outer surface and the user moves to spread the finger, the compartment of the pump thus expands to allow gas / liquid to be absorbed into the compartment. In addition, when the fingers move to grab one another, the compartment is compressed so that the gas / liquid contained in the compartment can be moved to a tube such as a gas tube, balloon tube or liquid tube. In one embodiment, the means for securing the fingers to the outer surface may be in the form of a glove portion, which may also define a compartment of the pump. Thus, to use such a pump, the user places his hand in the globe and moves it to spread and grasp the fingers. The pump may include one or more non-return valves as mentioned above. If the pump is in the form of a glove, at least some of the pump walls may contact the palm of the user during use.

In one embodiment, the globe pump consists of an elastic member that keeps the pump in a compressed state so that in order to perform the pumping action, the user must force the fingers to spread out the fingers to increase the volume of the compartment, You must release your finger pressure to retract.

If the pump includes a means for temporarily securing a finger to the outer surface of the compartment, the pump will move away from each other (as described above) because the walls are moved away from each other by the user during use. It is not necessary to include an elastic element to exert. This allows for a pump and cleaning device of a very compact construction.

In a second embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of performing a wash of a human body cavity using a washing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Filling liquid into the reservoir through the liquid inlet,

Inserting the insertion member into the body cavity through the human body opening,

Operating the pump to pump at least a portion of the liquid from the reservoir into the body cavity,

Shrinking the insertion member in the body cavity, and

Discarding the system.

In one embodiment, the body cavity is the human intestinal system (intestine).

In one embodiment, the above-mentioned steps are performed in the order mentioned, while in other embodiments the order may be different, for example, as the insertion member may be inserted before filling the reservoir with liquid. The liquid filled in the reservoir may be water. Filling can include closing the inlet. It may also include emptying the reservoir.

In one embodiment, the reservoir is a foil bag with a plate and removing the plate allows the user to empty the reservoir. Also, emptying the reservoir

Removing the plate to create an outlet outlet,

-Emptying the reservoir such that the remaining liquid flows out through the discharge outlet.

In a further embodiment, the method

-Expanding the retaining means to hold the insert in the body cavity and to prevent the insert from slipping out of the body cavity, and / or

Retracting the retaining means such that the insertion member contracts in the body cavity.

The invention according to the second embodiment may include all combinations with the feature (s) and / or element (s) of the first embodiment of the present invention.

In a third embodiment, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a cleaning system according to the first embodiment of the invention,

Permanently securing the liquid tube to the reservoir,

Permanently securing the liquid tube to the insert,

Permanently securing the liquid tube to the inlet of the liquid pump,

Permanently fixing the liquid tube to the outlet of the liquid pump,

Permanently securing the gas tube to the reservoir,

Permanently securing the gas tube to the gas pump,

Permanently securing the balloon to the outer surface of the insert,

Permanently securing the balloon tube to the balloon,

Permanently securing the balloon tube to the balloon pump,

Permanently securing the switched pump to at least one gas and balloon tube, and

At least one of permanently securing the membrane dividing the reservoir into a gas chamber and a liquid chamber to a wall of the reservoir.

At least one step of permanently fixing

Permanently fixing by welding, or

Permanently fixing by bonding.

The present invention according to the third embodiment may include all combinations with the feature (s) and / or elements of the first embodiment of the present invention.

1 shows a first embodiment of a disposable cleaning system with a retaining element in the form of a cone.

2 shows a second embodiment of a disposable cleaning system in which a retaining element is defined by a balloon catheter.

3 shows a third embodiment of a disposable cleaning system in which the pump is provided as a pump with a switch.

4 shows a fourth embodiment of a disposable cleaning system in which a fluid pump and a balloon pump are combined into one single unit.

5 shows a fifth embodiment of a disposable cleaning system in which a pump is integrated into a liquid tube.

6 shows one embodiment of an insertion member.

7 shows a cleaning system in close contact so that it can be carried by a user.

8A and 8B show one embodiment of a foil pump.

9A-9F illustrate one embodiment of a separate batch pump.

FIG. 10 shows a sixth embodiment of a disposable cleaning system with a series pump integrated into a liquid tube and a retaining element in the form of a cone.

11A and 11B show a cleaning system divided into a gas chamber and a liquid chamber.

12 shows a cleaning system with a reservoir in which the insert member is ready to swell during transport.

13 shows a cleaning system with an overpressure valve for directing air to the reservoir.

14A and 14B show an automatic valve used as a cleaning system.

15 shows one embodiment of a cleaning system.

1 shows a disposable cleaning system 100 that includes a reservoir 102, an insertion member 104, a liquid tube 106, and a gas pump 108. The reservoir 102 is made by joining two foils together, for example by welding or bonding. The foil may include thermoplastic elastomers such as Styrol-Block-Copolymer such as SEBS or PUR or thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene (PP), PE and PVC.

The reservoir 102 is suitable for receiving a liquid, such as a water-based liquid, and pouring the liquid into the reservoir through an inlet 110 (108 denotes a water / liquid level). Can be. Inlet 110 defines a closure means (not shown) in the form of a non-return valve that prevents liquid from leaking from reservoir 102 through inlet 110. The inlet may define a sloped surface 105 suitable for directing liquid to the reservoir 102. In an embodiment, the inlet 110 is defined with a cross-sectional area of at least 3 cm ² at least at relative positions of the sidewalls of the inlet.

The reservoir 102 may be adapted to withstand a pressure of at least 100 mbar, such as between 100 and 300 mbar, about 150 to 250 mbar, and about 200 mbar. In one embodiment, the reservoir 102 is prone to gaps when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure level, such as a pressure level, which disturbs the interior of the user's body cavity.

In FIG. 1, the reservoir 102 is provided as a self-supporting bag, ie with a rectangular bottom 112 made of two single contacts 113. Self-supporting means that if the reservoir is partially filled, the reservoir can be built without being supported on surfaces such as the floor or inside the tank. The reservoir is defined as a plate 114 which is adapted to be detached following the plate 114 cleaning, as a result of which the user can empty the reservoir after cleaning. Plate 114 defines a tear line 116 that provides a weak zone that extends from one side of the reservoir to the top of reservoir 102, ie, made in one piece. The reservoir 102 may comprise any other suitable means of emptying the reservoir 102, ie, such as an openable valve.

To allow the user to measure the volume of liquid present in the reservoir, reservoir 102 may include a volume measure (not shown), ie, printed on the surface of the reservoir.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the liquid tube 106 is permanently fixed to the reservoir 102 and may be provided in the form of a flat tube such as a foil tube. The liquid tube may consist of a thermoplastic such as PVC / PP / PE or a thermoplastic elastomer such as a styrol block copolymer such as PUR or SEBS composite or a crosslinked elastomer such as silicone or latex. Furthermore, the inverted tube 106 can be permanently secured to the insert member 104 to provide a fluid connection between the reservoir 102 and the insert member 104. In one embodiment, the insert member 104 is provided as an extension of the liquid tube 106.

The insert member 104 may be stiffer than the liquid tube 106 and may be coated with a gel configured to facilitate insertion of the insert member. Alternatively, the outer surface of the insert member 104 may comprise a hydrophilic material, and when the hydrophilic material is subjected to a liquid, such as water, for a predetermined time of about 30 seconds, the surface may be smoother than before the water is atmospheric. It gets warm.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the insert member 104 is defined by a cone shaped retaining means 118 such as paper, carton, thermoplastic or elastomer.

To inflate the reservoir, the cleaning system 100 includes a gas pump 108 that is connected through the gas tube 120 into the reservoir 102. Once the gas pump is activated, the reservoir 102 expands so that the liquid contained in the reservoir is transferred into and out of the liquid tube 106 and through the opening 122 of the insert member 104. In order to prevent the expanded reservoir from contracting through the inlet (not shown) of the gas pump 108, the gas pump 108 prevents the gas from leaking out of the pump through the inlet, while the gas pump 108 It may include a non-return valve (not shown) to be sucked into. In an embodiment, the gas pump 108 is a foil pump as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The tube inlet 107 should be positioned so that the inlet is covered with water at any liquid level so that the liquid contained in the reservoir is surely moved to the liquid tube 106.

The embodiment of FIG. 2 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 1 in that the retaining means 118 is provided in the form of an inflatable balloon 124. The cleaning system 100 also includes a balloon pump 126 connected to the inflatable balloon 124 through the balloon tube 128 to inflate the balloon. The balloon tube 128 may be permanently fixed to the at least one inflatable balloon 124 and the balloon pump 128. Balloon pump 126 may include a non-return valve as described in connection with gas pump 108.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, at least one liquid tube 106 and gas tube 120 are attached to each other. In one embodiment, the two tubes are defined as an integral element, ie defined as a single seamless element. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the liquid tube 106 and the balloon tube 128 are each attached to each other.

3 discloses an alternative embodiment to the embodiment of FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, the balloon pump 126 and the gas pump 108 are integrated as one single unit that is defined as the switched pump 130. In addition, the switchable pump 130 may be a separate batch pump configured to be disposed at any position along the liquid tube 106. Thus, the batch pump may, for example, be placed in the balloon tube 128 or alternatively in the gas tube 120.

Switched pump 130 includes a switch 132 that a user can change between expansion of reservoir 102 and expansion of inflatable balloon 124. The switch 132 may be changed between a first position where the switched pump 130 is in fluid connection with the reservoir 102 and a second position where the switched pump 130 is in fluid connection with the inflatable balloon 124. The switch is configured such that the inflatable balloon 124 is not retracted when the switch 132 is in the first position and that the reservoir 132 is not retracted when it is in the second position.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the switched pump 130 has two incisions into the gas tube inlet 120 and one incision into the balloon tube 128 to fluidly connect the pump 130 to the tube. Define a dog cavity penetrating member (not shown). In addition, since the balloon tube 128 and the gas tube 120 are initially defined by the same tube, the pump 130 has means (not shown) for preventing fluid connection between the two tubes 120, 128. Included. These means are between the two through members. The cavity penetrating members are shown in more detail in FIG. 9.

The embodiment of FIG. 4 differs from FIG. 3 in that the gas pump 108 and the balloon pump 126 are provided as two separate devices attached to each other, whereby the switch 132 of FIG. 3 is removed. The method of attaching the pumps 108, 126 to the tubes 120, 128 is similar to the attachment method described in FIG. 3.

The system of FIG. 5 differs from FIG. 2 in that the pump device 6 is for example a series sealed pump device as shown in FIG. 7. The pump is alternatively a separate batch pump as shown in FIG. 9. The liquid tube 106 and the gas tube 120 are provided in the form of a double lumen tube permanently fixed to the reservoir 102 and the insert member 104.

6 discloses an insertion member 104. Insertion member 104 defines two equally expanding conduits, balloon conduit 134 and liquid conduit 136. In use, balloon conduit 134 is fluidly connected to balloon tube 128 and liquid conduit 136 is fluidly connected to liquid tube. Insertion member 104 is defined as at least one opening 144 in proximal end 138. Water removed from the reservoir 102 during cleaning passes through the at least one opening 122 and into the body cavity of the user. The proximal end 138 is defined by a smooth surface configured to reduce discomfort during insertion into the body cavity through a user's body opening, such as a natural / artificial anus. The insert member 104 may also include an indicator (not shown) indicating how deep the insert should be inserted into the body cavity during washing. As an example, the insert member 104 may be inserted to align the indicia and anus in some embodiments. Although the size of the inflatable balloon may vary in size depending on the user and the length of the balloon, the inflatable balloon 124 is configured to fill gas in the range of 100 to 300 ml. The balloon may be made of an elastic material such as PUR, SEBS, silicone, chlorophene, nitrile or natural latox, and the balloon may alternatively be made from an inelastic material such as nylon, polyester, PP or PE. Can be made.

7 discloses a cleaning system 100 in a compressed state carried by a user. In the compressed state, the tube 137, the insert 104 and the pump 135 are wrapped around the reservoir to provide a compression structure. In yet another embodiment, the elements are provided folded over the folded reservoir.

8A and 8B disclose one embodiment of the above-described foil pump 139, which foil pump defines a gas inlet 140 comprising a heat flow prevention valve (not shown) and the backflow prevention pump, That is, in the same manner as the foil pump disclosed in WO 2005/048890 to prevent gas from leaking out of the foil pump 139 through the gas inlet 140 and only allowing gas to enter the foil pump 139. Are manufactured. The foil pump 139 also defines a gas outlet 142. Foil pump 139 includes foam 144 in the form of an open cell, as shown in FIG. 8B, and is surrounded by foil 145. Foil pump 139 includes a pump plate 146 that can be removed by the user and retracted to store the reservoir after cleaning and to dispose of the system in a can or container.

9A-9F disclose individual batch pumps 148 configured to allow a user to attach liquid tube 106 and gas tube 120 to any position of the tube in accordance with the user's preferences. 9A and 9B show separate batch pumps 148 in an open configuration such that liquid tube 106 can be disposed in first recess 150. In addition, the batch pump 148 defines a second recess 152 that receives the gas tube 120 as described in more detail later. Individually arranged pump 148 includes an upper portion 154 and a lower portion 156 hinged together through a hinge 158. Upper portion 154 defines a snap protrusion 160 configured to receive a snap bend 162 of lower portion 156 to snap-lock upper portion 154 and lower portion 156. . The upper portion 154 and the lower portion 156 also include a first recess 150 and a second recess 152, respectively.

The batch pump 148 may include a foam 144, in the form of an elastic, open cell, sealed inside the foil 145. Foil 145 may be a thermoplastic elastomer such as a styrol block copolymer such as SEBS or PUR or a plastic foil made of thermoplastics such as polypropylene (PP), PE and PVC.

In order to fluidly connect the gas tube 120 with the individual pump 148, the individual pump 148 penetrates the gas tube 120 while snapping the upper part 154 and the lower part 156. It includes a cannula 164 having a cutting blade to make.

9F discloses the batch pump 130 in the closed state, the upper portion 154 and the lower portion 156 snap-locked so that the cannula 164 penetrates the gas tube 120. do. Thus, compressing the foam 144 causes at least a portion of the gas contained in the foam 144 to pass through the cannula 164 and into the gas tube 120. Foam 144 may define a plurality of openings to inflate the foam and refill the gas (air) and the user's hand compressing the foam covers the openings while compressing the foam, but upon removing the hand the opening To allow the form to be refilled. In addition, the batch pump 130 may include a non-return valve to prevent the gas is discharged out of the gas tube 120 when the user's hand is removed.

FIG. 10 illustrates another implementation of a disposable cleaning system different from the system of FIG. 5 in that the fluid contained in the reservoir 102 is discharged through the opening 122 of the insertion member 104 using the tandem pump 166. An example is disclosed. Accordingly, in FIG. 10, the liquid is discharged by absorbing the liquid out of the reservoir 102 using the series pump 166 without increasing the liquid from the reservoir 102 by increasing the pressure inside the reservoir. The tandem pump 166 includes a non-return valve that prevents liquid from flowing upstream with respect to the tandem pump 166 in the pump downstream direction. Once the tandem pump 166 is compressed, the liquid contained in the pump flows in the downstream direction, and when the tandem pump 166 is depressurized, the liquid in the downstream direction of the pump is absorbed into the chamber of the tandem pump 166. The tandem pump 166 may be composed of an elastic member as mentioned above. 10 and 5 differ in that the retaining member 118 of FIG. 10 is in the same cone shape as shown in relation to FIG. 1.

11A and 11B disclose part of the reservoir 102 of the cleaning system. Only the lower part of the reservoir 102 is shown in FIG. 11A for the sake of brevity. However, the reservoir of FIG. 11A may also include an inlet that may be sealed as mentioned above. A cross section of the reservoir 102 is shown in FIG. 11B. Reservoir 102 includes three foil sheets 168, 170, and 172, one of the foil sheets defining membrane 172 that divides reservoir 102 into gas chamber 174 and liquid chamber 176. It is limited. The three foil sheets 168, 170, 172 are attached to each other along the edge 178, for example by welding. During use, the user fills liquid chamber 176 with water and closes the inlet (not shown). The user then pressurizes the gas chamber 174 using, for example, one of the aforementioned pumps. This causes the gas chamber 174 to expand, reducing the volume of the liquid chamber 176 and transferring all liquid contained in the liquid chamber 176 to the liquid tube 106. The increase in volume of the gas chamber 174 is shown in FIG. 11B and the line 172 indicates the position of the membrane before the gas chamber 174 expands and the dashed line 172 ′ indicates when the gas chamber 174 is compressed. Indicates the location of the membrane.

12 discloses a cleaning system 100 in which an insert member 104 is provided to a reservoir 102 during transportation. The reservoir 102 defines a compression compartment 174 configured to be compressed to transfer the liquid contained in the compartment 174 to the liquid tube 106. The reservoir 102 also defines a swelling compartment 176 configured to receive the insertion member 104. Swelling compartment 176 and compression compartment 174 are fluidly connected through passage 178. When the cleaning system 100 is delivered to the user, the insertion end 104 is equipped inside the swelling compartment 176 and in order to start the swelling process, the user pushes a liquid, such as water, through the inlet 110 through the compression compartment ( 174). The passage 178 causes the liquid to flow from the compression compartment 174 to the swelling compartment 176, thereby applying a swelling medium (liquid) to the hydrophilic coating on the outer surface of the insert member 104. After a predetermined time, the user can remove the insertion member 104 from the swelling compartment 176 and insert the insertion member 104 into the body cavity. In one embodiment, the passage 178 is configured to close the passage 178 once the insertion member 104 is removed such that compression of the compression compartment 174 does not transfer liquid to the swelling compartment 176. In one embodiment, the passageway includes a non-return valve such as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,581,763. In another embodiment, the user must manually close the passageway. When the passage is closed and the compression compartment is compressed, all liquid contained in the compartment is transferred to the liquid tube 106 as mentioned above.

FIG. 13 discloses a cleaning system 100 that includes a reservoir 102 connected to an insertion member 104 through a liquid tube 106. The insertion member 104 includes a balloon-shaped retaining means 118 that can be inflated by a balloon pump 126, which is connected to the balloon through a balloon tube 128. The balloon tube 128 includes an overpressure valve 180 configured to open when the pressure inside the valve 180 is higher than a predetermined level so that gas is guided into the reservoir through the gas tube 120. Accordingly, balloon pump 126 may also serve as gas pump 108.

During use, the user fills the liquid into the reservoir 102 through the opening 110 and inserts the insertion member 104 into the body cavity. The user then inflates the balloon by operating the pumps 108, 126 and keeps the insertion member 104 in the body cavity. If the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure level, air is introduced into the reservoir 102 and the reservoir expands. All liquid contained in the reservoir 102 in the expansion process moves the liquid tube 106 and out through the insertion member 104.

14A and 14B disclose an automatic valve 200 for use in the embodiment described in connection with FIG. 3, the switch 132 is replaced with a current automatic valve, and in connection with FIG. 13 the automatic valve is an overpressure valve ( 180).

The automatic valve is formed with a valve housing 201 including a piston chamber 202 in which the piston 203 is slidably arranged. The piston is formed with first and second piston heads 204, 205 separated by a shaft 206.

Inlet channel 207 provides fluid connection into chamber 202. Similarly, first and second outlet channels 208 and 209 are provided. A spring 210 is provided at the end of the piston chamber close to the first outlet channel 208. In FIG. 14, the piston head 204 blocks the first outlet channel path 208, but the inlet channel is fluidly connected to the second outlet channel 209 between the two piston heads and the size of the spring is shown in FIG. 14A. To allow the piston to deflect to the first position. The pressure channel 211 is in communication with the second outlet channel 209 and the pressure chamber 212, which is defined by an end wall of the piston chamber opposite the second piston head 205 and the spring. It is provided to the piston chamber section.

When using a valve, i.e., an overpressure valve 180, with the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the inlet channel 207 is connected to the pumps 108, 126, and the first outlet channel 208 is a gas tube 120 ) And the second outlet channel 209 is connected to the balloon tube 128.

When pumping begins, gas is pumped out from the inlet channel through the second outlet channel and through the balloon tube into the balloon. When pressure is created in the balloon, the same pressure is created in the pressure chamber 212. By making the size of the spring 210 appropriate, the spring can be set to compress when the pressure of the balloon (and also the pressure chamber) reaches a predetermined level. Since the spring is compressed, the piston moves to the second position shown in FIG. 14B, in which the second piston head closes the second outlet channel and the first piston head is moved to expose the first outlet channel. This provides fluidic connection through gas tube 120 from the inlet channel to the first outlet channel and into the reservoir.

As will be understood the first inlet channel is disposed between the first and second outlet channels when viewed along the axis of movement of the piston such that none of the piston heads cover the inlet channel at the first or second position of the piston. .

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a cleaning system 300 that includes a reservoir 302 connected to a reservoir 302 and a reservoir bag 301 that defines a liquid tube 303. The liquid tube extends into an insertion member 304 in the form of a rectal catheter / probe with, for example, at least one eyelet 305, through which the cleaning liquid can be discharged. Although not shown, the insert member 304 may be provided with retaining means such as, for example, a cone or inflatable balloon, as described above, which retains the insert in the rectum while cleaning is performed. It plays a role.

The reservoir bag 301 is in the form of a plastic sheet welded together along the weld 306. The liquid tube is connected to the first half of the reservoir bag, and the opening 307 is provided in the second half of the reservoir in the opposite direction. The opening makes it possible to fill the reservoir with the cleaning liquid. The opening is provided with a one-way foil valve 308 that can easily pour liquid into the reservoir but prevents it from flowing out. Such foil valves are well known in the art.

When manufacturing the reservoir bag, ie the two foil sheets are welded together and the second chamber 309 is provided by welding the area around the foil sheet. The second chamber is provided with an elastic member 310 in the form of a foam. The second chamber is connected to the outside of the bag via a non-return valve (not shown) that allows gas (especially air) to enter but not flow out of the second chamber. Furthermore, the second chamber is connected to the reservoir via a second one-way foil valve 311 that allows gas to enter the reservoir from the second chamber but not flow in the other direction. One-way valves are known in the art and those skilled in the art will have no difficulty finding a valve that is most suitable for this embodiment.

Thus, when the second chamber is compressed, air will enter the reservoir and then when the second chamber is released it will expand due to the elastic element and the gas will be sucked into the second compartment. When this compression and release is repeated, it generates a pump action, which creates a pressure in the wash liquid in the reservoir that forces force from the reservoir into the liquid tube and out through the eyelets.

Furthermore, a deflected valve 312 may be provided to the liquid tube. The biased valve prevents fluid from flowing through the liquid tube from the reservoir until a predetermined pressure is created inside the reservoir. This prevents the cleaning system from accidentally leaking. In addition, the deflected valve is configured to prevent flow in this direction to prevent backflow and to prevent the contents of the colon from flowing into the reservoir through the liquid tube.

As can be appreciated the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 15 can be easily manufactured since the entire reservoir bag including the pump can be produced in one welding step.

Claims (26)

A reservoir having an inlet defined by an inlet closure means for pouring liquid into the reservoir, An insertion member defining an insertion end for insertion into the body cavity through a human human hole and defining at least one opening; A washing system for cleaning a body cavity comprising a liquid tube in which a reservoir having an insertion member comprises a fluidly connected liquid, At least one reservoir and insertion member permanently coupled to the liquid tube. The method of claim 1, And a pump for pumping liquid outwardly and from the reservoir through at least one opening of the insertion member. The method of claim 2, The pump is a body cavity washing washing system, characterized in that consisting of a manual pump. The method of claim 3, Washing system for body cavity washing, characterized in that the manual pump is configured as a foil pump with elastic elements The method of claim 4, wherein And said elastic element is comprised of a foam in the form of an open cell. The method of claim 2, And said pump is configured as an electric pump. The method of claim 6, The electric pump comprises a manual generator consisting of a crank, wherein the crank causes the rechargeable battery of the electric pump to be charged by the generator when operated. The method according to any of the preceding claims, The pump is a body cavity cleaning system, characterized in that the peristaltic pump. The method according to any of the preceding claims, And the liquid tube is a foil tube. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 9, The pump is a liquid pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, and permanently secures the pump inlet and the pump outlet to a tube, and the action of the pump allows liquid contained in the reservoir to flow through at least one opening of the insertion member. Body cavity washing washing system, characterized in that. According to claim 6, The electric pump comprises a control unit for controlling liquid flow in the system. The method of claim 11, And the control unit is configured to change the flow rate in a predetermined process. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 9, And the pump is disposed relative to the reservoir so that once the pump is operated, the gas pressure in the reservoir increases so that liquid contained in the reservoir flows out into the liquid tube and through the at least one opening to the outside. The method of claim 13, And a gas tube fluidly connecting the gas pump and the reservoir. The method of claim 14, And the gas tube is a foil tube. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, A body cavity wash cleaning system, characterized in that the gas tube is permanently fixed to a gas pump and / or reservoir. The method according to any of the preceding claims, The insertion member includes a retaining means for retaining the insertion member in the body cavity when inserted through the body opening. The method of claim 17, And the retaining means comprises a balloon fluidly connected to the balloon pump to inflate the balloon under the action of the balloon pump. The method of claim 18, And said balloon is a gas balloon and / or a liquid balloon. The method according to any one of claims 13 and 18, The system includes a switched pump defining a balloon pump and a gas pump, and a switch defining a first position in which the switched pump is fluidly connected to the gas balloon and a second position in which the switched pump is fluidly connected to the reservoir. Body cavity washing washing system, characterized in that. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, And the retaining means define an outer surface of the insertion member. 23. A method of performing a human body cavity wash using the washing system according to any of claims 1 to 21, wherein Filling liquid into the reservoir through the liquid inlet, Inserting the insertion member into the body cavity through the human body opening, Operating the pump to pump at least a portion of the liquid from the reservoir into the body cavity, Retracting the insertion member in the body cavity, and And discarding the system. The method of claim 22, And a step of emptying the reservoir. The method according to claim 22 or 23. Expanding the retaining means to hold the insertion member in the body cavity and to prevent the insertion member from slipping out of the body cavity, and / or And retracting the retaining means such that the insertion member contracts in the body cavity. 22. A method of manufacturing a cleaning system according to any of claims 1 to 21, wherein Permanently securing the liquid tube to the reservoir, Permanently securing the liquid tube to the insertion member, Permanently fixing the liquid tube to the inlet of the liquid pump, Permanently fixing the liquid tube to the outlet of the liquid pump, Permanently securing the gas tube to the reservoir, Permanently securing the gas tube to the gas pump, Permanently securing the balloon to the outer surface of the insert, Permanently securing the balloon tube to the balloon, Permanently securing the balloon tube to the balloon pump, Permanently securing the switched pump to the at least one gas tube and the balloon tube, and Permanently securing a membrane that divides the reservoir into a gas chamber and a liquid chamber to a wall of the reservoir. The method of claim 25, At least one of the permanent fixing steps Permanently fixing by welding, or A method of manufacturing a cleaning system comprising permanently fixing by adhesion.

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